Customized Offset Printers for the Glass Industry

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 20, 2001-- Matthews International Corporation has been helping flat glass manufacturers' mark their products for over 30 years. Most glass manufacturers mark their product with their trademark, part number, size and type, and an interchangeable date and batch code. Matthews answered the glass industry by designing a more versatile system to replace silk-screen printers, reducing costs while maintaining a high-quality mark.

Matthews modified their standard Print-A-Mark™ offset printing system to meet the glass industry's application. The printer is motor driven and is integrated directly into the production line. The system uses adhesive back rubber dies that contain all the vital marking information that appears on the glass. Special ceramic frit-type inks have been developed, not only to work in the offset printer, but also to fuse to the glass during tempering to make a permanent mark.

Typically Matthews provides a Model 6212 offset printer using their M-173 ceramic frit ink, and equipped with a single revolution clutch and photo eye to provide accurate mark registration on the product. The system is powered by an electric motor with variable speed control, which keeps the ink roll turning in the ink fountain to maintain ink consistency. When signaled, the clutch releases to rotate the type and blanket roll to make one revolution.

For additional information on offset printing systems or any of their industrial marking products please contact: Matthews International Corporation, Marking Products Division, 6515 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Telephone: 412-665-2500. Fax: 412-365-2042. Internet: www.matthewsmarking.com